How to get rid of toothache

Tooth decay is the primary cause of toothaches for most children and adults. Bacteria that live in your mouth thrive on the sugars and starches in the food you eat. These bacteria form a sticky plaque that clings to the surface of your teeth. Acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can eat through the […]

Tooth decay is the primary cause of toothaches for most children and adults. Bacteria that live in your mouth thrive on the sugars and starches in the food you eat. These bacteria form a sticky plaque that clings to the surface of your teeth.

Acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can eat through the hard, white coating on the outside of your teeth (enamel), creating a cavity. The first sign of decay may be a sensation of pain when you eat something sweet, very cold or very hot. A toothache often indicates that your dentist will need to work on your teeth.

Treatment for a toothache depends on the cause. Dr Adio a dentist at the Regal Dental clinic says if a cavity is causing the toothache, a dentist will fill the cavity or possibly extract the tooth, if necessary. A root canal might need to be done if the cause of the toothache is determined to be an infection of the tooth’s nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner aspects of the tooth cause such an infection. An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw. Phototherapy with a cold laser may be used to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with the toothache.”

Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Good oral hygiene practices consist of brushing regularly with fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing once daily, and seeing your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning. In addition to these practices, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealant and fluoride applications.

Also, avoid pressure on the teeth. You should avoid giving excessive pressure on your teeth. Refrain from chewing hard foods. Also refrain from chewing by the side of the mouth from where toothache is coming. I know it is very natural to chew with two sides of mouth, so be very alert when chewing foods. Also it is best that you chew soft foods and avoid hard foods as much as you can.

Lastly, there are some home remedies which can give you temporary, if not permanent relief from toothache. One such home remedy is clove oil. Some people have used clove oil successfully. For others, tea bags work better. H. K Bakhru in his book Herbs that Heal states that “the use of clove in tooth aches decreases pain. It also helps to decrease infection due to its antiseptic properties. Clove oil applied to a cavity in a decayed tooth, also relieves toothache.”

Similarly, clove oil is natural oil used in dentistry for its analgesic (pain relief) properties. You can purchase clove oil over the counter at pharmacies for topical toothache relief at home. Dab a small amount of clove oil on a cotton swab and hold the oil directly to the painful tooth or gum area until the oil has had time to absorb into the affected area. Clove oil has an unpleasant flavour, so it’s probably wise to keep the oil from touching your tongue.

Wash your mouth thoroughly: When you have toothache, the least you can do is to wash your mouth thoroughly so as to remove any food particles present in your tooth enamel. First, wash your mouth with lukewarm water then brush thoroughly using a toothbrush or floss. Make sure you brush the parts that surround your injured tooth.